Although the official order is not yet available, a Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) official confirms, “The minister has accepted the report and we are now working on show cause notices based on the recommendations.” The report had put forth clear evidence of a number of violations of environmental clearances. Blocking of creeks in the region and clearing of mangroves without permission are the most important ones. The report also stated that the Adani group has not been serious about reporting on compliance with conditions of clearance.

What it means?

One of the key recommendations of the report was setting up of an environment restoration fund for the region to act as a deterrent for further non-compliance and violation by Adani Group. The committee recommended the fund be one per cent of the total project cost or Rs 200 crore, whichever is higher. It was suggested that the fund, to be set up under the Secretary, MoEF, be used specifically for remediation of environmental damage in Mundra and for strengthening regulatory and monitoring systems. Another key recommendation was the cancellation of environmental clearance granted to the proposed north port of the company. Flanked by the Bocha island (mangrove conservation area), this port received environmental clearance in January 2009 under the company’s waterfront development plan. The committee stated that the mangrove was a contiguous patch with the island till 2005, but not anymore. Hence, the clearance for north port should be canceled and the area be restored to its pre-2005 status and declared a conservation zone. Kanchi Kohli, an independent activist working in the area, welcomes the MoEF decision to accept the recommendations. “The report has some strong and important recommendations on crucial regulatory and monitoring aspects. For instance, no further clearance till a carrying capacity study in the region is carried out or the one on the cancellation of north port clearance,”says Kohli.

The committee also discussed livelihood-related issues and suggested an exclusive fishing harbour be developed at Bhadreshwar in Mundra. Bharat Patel of Machimaar Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti (MASS), an NGO working for fisherfolk rights in Mundra, welcomes the decision. “This report has put out in black and white what the firm did in the area for over a decade. That is why we are hopeful MoEF will ensure the the recommendations are implemented.”

The report also suggests the firm think about voluntarily returning grazing land to villages.

The issue of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violation by the Samundra township and Sterling hospital, too, was analysed by the report. In 2010, an MoEF team had inspected the CRZ violation case after a complaint from MASS and presented its report, based on which a show cause notice was issued by MoEF to the state government and the company. It is pending. The committee report suggests this matter be taken up urgently with the Gujarat Coastal Zone Management Authority for review and reassessment by a joint team.

The report has suggested some important reforms in the CRZ regulation as well. It remains to be seen if these have also been accepted by the minister. Other issues discussed in the report include fly-ash utilisation by the firm’s thermal power plant and increasing salinity in the area due to the project.

“We have not received any official communication from the ministry on the report yet. Once we do we will release our official position,” says Malay Mahadevia, director, Adani Ports and SEZ Limited.

We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.

Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.

Down To Earth is a product of our commitment to make changes in the way we manage our environment, protect health and secure livelihoods and economic security for all. We believe strongly that we can and must do things differently. Our aim is to bring you news, perspectives and knowledge to prepare you to change the world. We believe information is a powerful driver for the new tomorrow.